Life - December and January round up

It feels almost too late to be saying this, but as it's my first post of 2016 I wanted to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! Unfortunately January didn't get off to the best of starts what with being ill and an exam on the first day back but the festive period was so lovely and probably one of my favourites in recent years: 

Christmas is always a good time to try some some DIY and although I'm by no means artistic I had so much fun drinking prosecco and making my own wreath with John Lewis. The evening was inspired by John Lewis' range of crafts and workshops which I really hope they'll do again this year. I went with some of my favourite props, namely pine cones, berries and orange slices, all finished off with a giant flower in the middle. Some of the other efforts were amazing and we were all so impressed with how simple yet striking a red berry wreath could look. 

 

Towards the end of December we visited 2 of our friends up in the Midlands. We'd been to their wedding earlier this year and it was so nice to catch up, talk all things wedding and of course enjoy a delicious Christmas roast. The next day we went to the local farmer's shop where they had so many tasty treats, festive decorations and the best steak sandwich in the purpose build warm and cosy barn restaurant.

Straight after coming back from Leicester we checked into the luxe 4* Amba Hotel in Marble Arch. Oxford Street and Regent Street had all the Christmas lights up and it felt so magical that evening as we walked to the nearby Canarby Street for dinner. 

We also managed an impromptu trip to Columbia road flower market, making sure to stop off for some Starbucks Christmas drinks first! Having seen so many pretty Instagrams it was great to finally see the market in person. The street is cramped and busy but full of stalls and unique shops. Being December there were so many poinsettias, wreaths and winter blooms to choose from. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area or just want to stock up on some gorgeous flowers for the home. 

Christmas always sees me returning back to Birmingham and in addition to seeing all the family it was also so nice to catch up with some old school friends. It's still so crazy to think that we left nearly 10 years ago now but I'm excited for the future as some of us recently got engaged and others are working towards our dream job.

The festive period finished with coming back to London (my first NYE in London since uni) and I had such a nice evening at home with the boyfriend. We were lucky enough to see the fireworks from our flat and it felt so surreal toasting in the New Year with such a spectacular show behind us! 

January started with the flu and an exam but luckily the rest of the month has been a lot better. One of our friends had the most beautiful winter wedding in a vineyard just outside of London. Think gorgeous burgundy colour schemes, fairy lights, wine tasting and a cheese tower during the reception followed by a lovely meal and partying the night away.

One of my goals for 2016 is to be more cultured and see more of London and January got of to a great start exploring some beautiful sites and venues all around the capital. Plus we managed two visits to Kew Gardens, one of my favourite places and we were so lucky with the weather as it was warm and sunny both days.

Much of this month has been taken up with exam and job preparations but we also managed to squeeze in quite a few nights out, catching up with friends and most exciting of all booked tickets to India later this year. It'll be my first visit so if you have any tips or recommendations please do let me know in the comments below!

How was your Christmas and New Years? Did you get up to anything exciting in January?